The
arrested leader is believed to be involved in the illegal movement of
explosives and improvised explosive device-making materials across the
Afghan border.

During the operation, the security force also detained a number of suspected insurgents.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

An
Afghan and coalition security force arrested a senior Taliban leader in
Jowzjan province Friday. The arrested leader directed Taliban fighters
operating within both Sar-e Pul and Jowzjan provinces. The security
force also detained another suspected insurgent and seized several
grenades, an assault-style rifle and a handgun and ammunition as a
result of the operation.

An Afghan and coalition force detained
two insurgents during a security operation in search of a Taliban IED
facilitator in Kunduz province today. The IED facilitator is believed to
coordinate the movement of IEDs throughout Kunduz province for future
attacks.

SouthAfghan and coalition
security forces seized nearly 1,100 kilograms (2,400 pounds) of opium
and 15 Kilograms (33 pounds) of heroin in Helmand province yesterday
after observing and following a pickup truck traveling along a known
drug-smuggling route. The combined force recovered the drug cache after
the vehicle’s occupants unloaded and attempted to hide the contents in
vegetation near the Helmand River. All narcotics were recovered and
destroyed.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a
Taliban leader believed to be responsible for coordinating suicide
operations and high profile attacks targeting Afghan and coalition
troops in Kandahar province today. The security force also seized six
pounds of heroin as a result of the operation.

EastAn
Afghan and coalition force detained an insurgent during a security
operation in search of a Taliban IED construction and attack facilitator
in Nangarhar province today. The security force also seized two pounds
of opium as a result of the operation.

Afghan and coalition
forces killed two armed insurgents engaged in threatening activity
during an operation in Kunar province Friday.

According to Turkish government officials at least 17 Turkish troops were killed on Saturday when their helicopter crashed in southeastern Turkey due to bad weather conditions.

The Sikorsky helicopter crashed on Herekol mountain, in the Pervari area of Siirt province, Siirt Governor Ahmet Aydin said. The victims were members of gendarmerie special forces, provincial governor, Ahmet Aydin quoted by Channel 24 said.

State-run TRT television says the crash occurred in heavy fog in a mountainous area. Authorities are investigating the cause. Kurdish rebels are active in the area.